Source: DoD (Defense.gov)
Airmen assigned to the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron deployed to the U.S. Virgin Islands on a mission to collect data on Hurricane Fiona while it remains a threat to land.
The squadron, known as the “Hurricane Hunters,” is only operational unit in the world flying weather reconnaissance on a routine basis. Its missions provide atmospheric data that forecasters use to create more accurate models.
The Hurricane Hunters began following Fiona on Sept. 15, when it was a tropical storm.
Fiona made landfall in Puerto Rico Sept. 18, knocking out power to the island and causing widespread devastation. The governor of Puerto Rico activated more than 450 members of the Puerto Rico National Guard to assist with response efforts.
